Rearview Mirror: Interesting names can generate endless grins
I have a fondness for interesting names. In the 14 years I’ve written this column, I’ve zeroed in on some curious first names, nicknames, company names and street names. Read more
Rearview Mirror
Columnist Bob Sigall writes the weekly column “Rearview Mirror,” which takes a look back at historic Hawaii through stories, interviews and photos.
Rearview Mirror: Earhart said to have landed on Moanalua golf course
Every week, I find interesting questions in my inbox. I often learn something while researching them. The first one today deals with Amelia Earhart in Hawaii. Read more
Rearview Mirror: ’60s fashion for guys meant flares, ‘drapes’
When I was a teenager in the 1960s, bell-bottom pants were popular. I remember the last time I wore them, they had shifted in my mind from looking cool to ridiculous. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Okazaki masseurs treated 2 presidents, celebrities
A few months ago I wrote about former judge James Seishiro Burns and how he came to have a Japanese middle name. Burns was a son of Gov. John A. Burns. He married TV journalist Emme Tomimbang. Read more
Rearview Mirror: In 1925 Hawaii, radio was latest technology
It’s hard for many of my friends to believe it’s already 2025. Some tell me they long for the “good old days.” Were things better then? Through the magic of this column, let’s jump into my Way Back machine and travel to 1925. What was Hawaii like 100 years ago? Let’s see. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Linda Coble shattered glass ceiling in TV news
If you watch the local television news today, you’ll see as many female reporters as male. But that wasn’t always the case. TV news reporters were all men until one woman broke through the glass ceiling in 1969. Her name is Linda Coble. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Dedicated teacher supported youth who became governor
This week and next, columnist Bob Sigall is presenting his annual Rearview Mirror Awards for those who made, preserved or shared Hawaii’s history. Read more
Rearview Mirror: How did Waikiki’s Barefoot Bar get its name?
The Barefoot Bar was one of the most popular places in town. “You couldn’t get in unless you knew someone,” recalls Miyuki Hruby, who started working with Spencecliff in 1944. “There was always a big line.” Read more
Rearview Mirror: Kimchi and Spam musubi among year’s tasty topics
This year in Rearview Mirror, we learned about a pilot who flew his plane under a Kauai bridge, we looked into the writing of the song “Mr. Sun Cho Lee,” by Bob Magoon and the Beamer brothers, and we learned about a buoy off Waikiki that was painted pink in protest. Read more
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser's and Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA.
Rearview Mirror: 2024 columns spotlighted Obama Sr., Dick Tracy tale
Every December, I review the previous 11 months and write a two-part series of things I learned during the year. Writing this column is a process of discovery for me that I thoroughly enjoy. Here are some highlights. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Chicago-Hawaii connections are plentiful and run deep
I was looking for information on a Japanese submarine between Maui and the Big Island during World War II. I found an article about it written by journalism professor and writer Peter von Buol. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Former military academy is now a school and a park
The oldest school on Oahu, founded in 1833, was on that site until 10 years ago. Today it’s occupied by a middle school and a park. Where is it? That’s what we’ll explore today. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Rich memories abound of Cavalier, Eagle’s Nest
Last week I mentioned the Cavalier restaurant and Eagle’s Nest lounge in the Pan Am Building on Kapiolani Boulevard. They were there from 1969 until 1982, but, as is often the case, I heard from many who were involved or touched by the story. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Reader queries revisit Aku, coconut wireless
Readers ask me questions every day. Sometimes it’s about a topic I have written about and know well; sometimes it’s about a subject I have never thought of. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Hawaii’s many connections to the Dodgers and Yankees
Peter Rivera, a reader, sent me a photograph of the great Dodgers catcher Roy Campanella from the 1950s. He was wearing a lei. I wondered what the occasion was. Read more
Rearview Mirror: 3 great Hawaii basketball coaches who changed lives
If you ask people to point to someone who made a big difference in their lives, they will often mention a person who coached them as part of school athletics. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Stories from our past still as engaging as ever
Every now and then I find myself with several short stories that are not large enough to take up a full column on their own. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Anniversaries mark community endeavors
These companies and organizations are celebrating 2024 anniversaries. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Fans recall 50th State Big Time Wrestling
I’ve written Rearview Mirror since April 2010 and this is my 704th column. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Hawaii in comic strips
Reader Melvin Masuda wrote to me recently. “Long ago, the ‘Dick Tracy’ comic strip featured then-Honolulu Police Chief Dan Liu. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Lighthearted column of yo-yos, kimchi, egrets
This week I thought I’d share several stories that readers told me in the past few months. Newspapers often have stories about crime, political divisions or problems we are facing. Rearview Mirror tries to balance that out with more lighthearted topics. Read more
Having trouble finding what you need? Try using our search feature.
Subscriber Favorites
Kuhio Park Terrace tenants say lives upended by relocations
Demand skyrocketing for local eggs
Man in critical condition after diving into ocean at Spitting Caves
Rainbow Wahine rally from 19 down to run win streak to 11
Kamehameha stands tall to end ‘Iolani’s run in state girls basketball
More Editors' Picks
Demand skyrocketing for local eggs
Kuhio Park Terrace tenants say lives upended by relocations
Hawaiian Homes agency seeking an additional $600M
E-bike bills advance at City Council, Legislature
Kamehameha stands tall to end ‘Iolani’s run in state girls basketball
